Free Dental Work Performed

A group of dentists donated their time and skills to give free dental work to over 100 underprivileged people in Michiana.

Most of us dread going to the dentist, but for many it’s a treat -- that they just can’t afford. Well their dental wishes were granted Friday and Saturday thanks to the Pankey Dental Access days. A group of dentists donated their time and skills to give free dental work to over 100 underprivileged people in Michiana. Over $55,000 worth of dental care was performed, and the patients were smiling with gratitude.

"These are people that have had difficult times lately. And oftentimes they’re in pain, they require dental care, and just to make their lives more comfortable and give them a little helping hand, they were very, very thankful for what we were able to do here this weekend," said event organizer Dr. Deborah Fleming.

The event was held in South Bend Friday and Saturday, at Grace United Methodist Church on Twyckenham. The patients received a variety of services like cancer screenings and teeth cleanings. They were selected for the event through various community organizations such as the YWCA and the Center for the Homeless.

The Pankey Foundation hosted the event, and they’ve been hosting events like this for about two years all across the U.S. They’ve held ten Dental Access Days this year alone and have given out over one million dollars in free dentist work. This is the first time Pankey Dental Access Days were held in the Michiana area, and organizers hope to have another one next year.